About Us
Learn more about the Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management, our career kickoff, and the committee making it all happen.
Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management
The Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management at the Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst, is a globally recognized leader in sport business education. Renowned for its innovative curriculum, world-class faculty, and strong industry connections, the department prepares students for dynamic careers in the sports industry. With a focus on experiential learning, students gain hands-on experience through internships, research, and networking opportunities. The program’s alumni hold influential positions across professional leagues, agencies, and corporations worldwide. As part of Isenberg’s top-ranked business school, the department combines rigorous academics with real-world applications, shaping the next generation of sport management professionals.
The Career Kickoff
The McCormack Career Kickoff is a premier recruiting event, fully organized by students under faculty guidance, designed to connect employers with high-achieving candidates from one of the world’s top-ranked sport management programs. Each year we have hosted 50+ leading organizations, including major teams like the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Commanders, as well as agencies, brands, and local businesses.
Why Attend?
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Access elite talent: Engage with highly motivated, industry-ready undergraduates trained in sport marketing, analytics, operations, and more
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Expand your recruiting pipeline: Build relationships with top students seeking internships, entry-level roles, and future leadership positions
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Efficient networking: A streamlined, student-run format ensures meaningful connections in a professional setting
This free event offers recruiters direct exposure to UMass Amherst’s Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management—a program renowned for producing innovative leaders in the sports industry. Join us to discover your next generation of talent.
Director
Professor Emily Must
Emily Must joined the Sport Management faculty in the Fall of 2016 and became Director of Internships for Sport Management and joined the Graduate Faculty in 2018, where she teaches Marketing Strategy and organizes and facilitates the MBA Practicum Projects. She considers herself a ‘utility player’ in the Sport Management department where she teaches a variety of classes, ranging from Intro to Sport, Sport Law, Sport Sales, Sport Promotions, Sport Policy, Sport Finance, Sport Leadership and even teaching Sport Analytics one semester. Must is an active member of student campus community, advising the McCormack Student Leaders and Women in Sport Management clubs, directing the McCormack Career Kickoff, sitting on the faculty board for Delta Sigma Pi and participating as the Chair of the Newman Center Finance Committee.
Undergraduate Assistant
Piper Quigley
Piper Quigley is a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst pursuing a double major in Sport Management and Economics with an interest in pursuing a Master's in Accounting next year. She currently serves as the Undergraduate Assistant for the 2026 McCormack Career Kickoff, helping lead the planning and execution of this event after previously serving as Director of Operations & Website Designer. Piper also serves as Vice President of Women in Sport Management (WISM), where she leads club operations in unison with the President to develop and coordinate programming to create opportunities for UMass undergraduate women pursuing careers in sports. With a strong passion for working in the sport industry, Piper is excited to immerse herself in different areas, build diverse experiences, and develop a well-rounded understanding of the field. Through her work on the McCormack Career Kickoff, she is committed to providing students and recruiters with an exceptional experience while fostering meaningful connections across the sport industry.
Committee
Audrey Byun
Audrey Byun is a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Amherst studying Sport Management with a passion for the sports industry and a goal of building a career in sports. She serves as the Social Media and Marketing Coordinator for McCormack Career Kickoff, where she develops and executes content across social media platforms to promote the event and engage students and industry professionals. This fall, Audrey will also be joining UMass Athletics as an Events and Facilities Intern, gaining hands-on experience in collegiate athletics event operations.
Committee
Chizobam Ojimba
Chizobam Ojimba is a sophomore Sport Management major with a passion for athletic operations. He maintains and enhances the Career Kickoff website, ensuring its functionality, user-friendliness, and a comprehensive resource for students and recruiters. He is also a member of the McCormack Sports Analytics Club and McCormack Student Leaders. This fall, he will be a Recruiting Intern for the UMass Football team. With this experience, he will gain skills such as evaluating player talent, and supporting the recruiting process. Through these opportunities, Chizobam is continuing to develop the analytical, communication, and organizational skills needed for a career in collegiate athletics.